Question 1

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

Castel Physio is a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy practice specialising in injury recovery.

We can see patients with any musculoskeletal injury or condition, and the musculoskeletal components of surgery preparation/rehab which can include:
Joint injuries 
Muscle injuries 
Tendon injuries 
Ligament injuries 
Nerve injuries (including radiculopathy, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, etc.) 
Soft tissue/connective tissue injuries
Repetitive strain injuries 
Bone injuries (Please note - people suspected acute fractures should attend A&E before seeking physiotherapy input)
Pre-operative rehabilitation
Post-surgical rehabilitation (please note - if you have had a non-MSK surgery, we may still be able to assist with rehab - please contact us if you are uncertain)

We can also assist certain patients with the following conditions, although we will always refer to more appropriate specialists when necessary:
Rheumatic conditions/inflammatory arthritis 
Chronic pain conditions (ME, Fibromyalgia, etc.)

We regret that we are unable to provide physiotherapy for the following conditions that require specialist input
Systemic neurological conditions (Multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, etc.)
Stroke or traumatic brain injury 
Concussion recovery 
Cardiac rehabilitation following heart attack or other severe cardiac event 
Open untreated wounds or open trauma - any injury involving a cut, suspected fracture, or significant trauma should attend A&E before seeking physiotherapy input 
Early development paediatric conditions (We cannot see children under the age of 5, including for musculoskeletal conditions) 
Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD,

Please note, we can still see patients with these conditions for unrelated musculoskeletal problems unless complications or contraindications prevent us from doing so. If you are uncertain if we can see you, please contact us and we will be happy to confirm. If you attend an appointment and it becomes apparent that our treatment/assessment would be inappropriate for you, we always endeavour to refer you to the most appropriate clinician and/or write to your GP.

Question 2

What type of therapies do you offer?

Accepted Answer

At Castel Physio, we provide a range of treatments for Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and conditions, including:

Exercise-based therapies
Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (P-BFR) - this is a cutting edge form of rehab using Delfi P-BFR machines to provide an unparalleled rehab experience - Castel Physio is the only provider of this on Guernsey 
Joint mobilization
Stretching therapies
Soft tissue therapies
Electrotherapy (Electro-muscle stimulation and setting up TENS machines for home use)
Activity and rehab planning

Additionally, we can refer patients to specialists for injections or surgical opinions if needed. For private patients, we can facilitate these referrals directly, or for those who prefer to be seen under states of Guernsey contract, we can provide our impressions to their GP for their opinion.

Click below to learn more about our services:

Question 3

What can I expect during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive, please let yourself in the waiting area and take a seat. The waiting area is normally unmanned, and you can check-in by scanning the QR code on the wall. Your physiotherapist will know you have arrived either through your check-in or by checking the waiting area camera.

Your physiotherapist will greet you in the waiting area and accompany you to the therapy room. They will confirm your name and the reason for your appointment, having read any pre-appointment information you filled in before attending.

The first part of your appointment is a subjective examination, which is a conversation with your physiotherapist about the injury or condition you have been experiencing.

Your physiotherapist will ask a number of questions to understand the nature of your problem, such as:
where the problem is
how long it has been going on for
whether you have experienced it before
what makes it feel better or worse
when you feel it during the day
how you would describe the pain

The second part of your appointment is an objective examination, which is a physical examination of the affected area. It may involve:

observations
range of motion testing
palpation
special tests
functional testing
strength testing
neurological testing

This examination helps your physiotherapist either confirm their suspected diagnosis or consider alternative explanations for your symptoms.

The third part of your appointment is the discussion and planning section. Your physiotherapist will discuss the suspected cause/diagnosis for your problems, recommend any further investigations/referrals that may be necessary, and discuss their initial treatment plan with you. They may share images, research, case studies, or other information with you to help better understand the nature of your suspected diagnosis.

If you are happy with the plan made with your physiotherapist, they may then start some treatment, but note that this is not always appropriate.

Treatments may include:
exercises
stretches 
joint mobilizations
soft tissue therapies
other manual therapies
education/advice
activity modification plans
adjuncts such as electrotherapies, or 
P-BFR (Personalised Blood Flow Restriction Training).

After your appointment, your physiotherapist may suggest follow-up appointments if they feel it would be beneficial, and they may write any onward referrals you need.

Within 24 hours, you should receive your exercise/home therapy plan, and within five working days of your appointment, any onward referrals. These are available through your patient portal account.

Throughout your appointment, you are in charge. If something is too painful or uncomfortable, or you are uncertain about something, simply tell your clinician and they will be happy to change what they are doing. You also have the right to ask any questions about the nature of examination at any point during your appointment.

Question 4

How can I prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

To help ensure a smooth and efficient appointment, here are some things you can do to prepare:

Fill out your pre-appointment forms: These forms will provide your physiotherapist with important information about your medical history and medications.
Plan your journey: We're conveniently located on the main west coast road at Grandes Rocques, with on-site parking and easy access by bus (routes 41, 91, and 92).
Gather relevant information: Bring any relevant information to your appointment, such as letters from doctors, results of scans/tests, or details of any surgeries.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and exposes the affected area (e.g., loose shorts for a knee injury).
Wear appropriate footwear: Choose footwear that is comfortable and easy to move in, as you may need to walk or exercise during your appointment.
Avoid wearing jewelry: If possible, avoid wearing jewelry or other accessories that may interfere with your treatment.
Write down questions: If you have specific questions or concerns you'd like to discuss with your physiotherapist, it can be helpful to write them down beforehand so you don't forget to ask them during your appointment.
Bring a support person: If you feel more comfortable having a friend or family member with you during your appointment, consider bringing them along for support.
Arrive a few minutes before your appointment is due to start: this can give you time to fill out any necessary paperwork, use the restroom, or simply relax before your session.
Contact your insurer: Some insurers require pre-authorization for physiotherapy appointments to be covered. We recommend checking with your insurer to confirm your coverage and ensure that they will pay for your care.
Bring a copy of your insurance information: If you're coming in as an insured patient, it can be helpful to bring a copy of your insurance information, including your policy number, pre-authorisation details and contact information for your insurer.
Take painkillers as needed: If you have been prescribed painkillers by your doctor, you may want to take them before your appointment. If you're unsure, please contact us for guidance.

Please note that if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have had a positive lateral flow test result, you should not attend the clinic.

Additionally, please do not attend your appointment under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol. For legal, ethical, and safety reasons, if you attend under the influence, your physiotherapist will end the appointment.

Question 5

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Clothing for Physiotherapy appointments should be appropriate for area being examined and should allow for smooth and easy examinations and treatment.

You SHOULD wear:

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: Choose clothing that allows you to move freely for examination and exercise 
Clothing that can expose the affected area: your physiotherapist will need to examine the affected area, so please make sure your clothing can be moved to see it in a way that you feel comfortable with - i.e. shorts that can be moved above the knee for a knee injury 
Appropriate footwear: Choose footwear that is comfortable and easy to move in, as you may need to walk or exercise during your appointment.
Layers: Although Castel Physio has heating and air conditioning, it's recommended you bring clothing to stay comfortable in throughout the appointment

You should try to AVOID wearing:

Tight fitting clothing: This may prevent the physiotherapist from examining the affected area 
Skirts/Dresses: Your physiotherapist may need to move your legs during the appointment 
Dress shoes/Work boots/High heels: These may prevent examination or free movement 
Jewellery: jewellery or other accessories may interfere with your treatment or your examination. 
Heavy makeup: If you're coming in for a neck or head injury/condition, heavy makeup may interfere with the examination.

Question 6

How long does each appointment last?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy appointments are typically scheduled for 30 minutes.

For initial appointments, an additional 15 minutes is allocated for your physiotherapist to complete any notes, referrals, or other administrative tasks related to your case. However, in more complex cases, your appointment may require additional time.

For patients who require more time for discussion or assessments, longer appointments or double appointments can be arranged upon request

P-BFR sessions are typically 1 hour for your first session, and 30 minutes for followups.

Question 7

How many sessions will I need to attend?

Accepted Answer

The number of Physiotherapy sessions you may need to attend depends on the type and severity of your injury/condition, as well as your individual situation and goals.

The majority of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions are acute, meaning they typically occur suddenly and are often the result of a specific event, such as a sprained ankle from a fall or a pulled muscle from lifting a heavy object. Many of these acute injuries are short-lived and self-limiting, requiring only one session for your physiotherapist to examine and determine if further intervention is necessary

For more significant injuries/conditions, you may need to see your physiotherapist for several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the injury/condition and your response to treatment.

For post-surgical rehabilitation, the length of treatment can vary widely depending on the type of surgery and individual factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health. Your physiotherapist will work closely with your surgeon and other healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that may range from several weeks to several months.

For patients with more complex cases who may require additional investigation or onward referral, the number of sessions you may need to attend can vary - your physiotherapist will discuss this in detail with you in your appointment, and make sure you are happy with the plan in place, and how often you are expected to see them.

Question 8

Is there parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we have off-street courtyard parking for 1 car per patient.

Please drive in the entrance to "Mas Des Sables Seaside Cottages", and drive through to the back. The parking space to Castel Physio located next to the signposted entrance.

As the courtyard is for a busy holiday business, please drive slowly, as there may be children playing.

Question 9

How do I get to Castel Physio?

Accepted Answer

Castel Physio is conveniently located on the main west coast road at Grandes Rocques and can be reached by car or via bus routes 41, 91, and 92. If you're taking the bus, alight at the main Grandes Rocques bus stop.
If you're driving to Castel Physio:

Heading north towards Port Soif from Cobo, we are located two doors down from Cobo Butchers on the right-hand side. Look for the large white building with the red roof, which has a sign for Castel Physio and Mas Des Sables Seaside Cottages.
Heading south towards Cobo from Port Soif, we are the second building after Rovers field. Look for the large white building with the red roof, which has a sign for Castel Physio and Mas Des Sables Seaside Cottages.

Please refer to the Google Maps link belo w for more detailed directions:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gPsJeGfFKKbBGhLp8

Question 10

How much does an appointment cost?

Accepted Answer

As of January 2025, our pricing for various services is as follows:

Physiotherapy (In-Clinic): £73
Online Physiotherapy: £73
Home Visit Physiotherapy: £130
P-BFR: £87 (Please note that a physiotherapy appointment is required before booking a P-BFR session.)
Strength and Conditioning: £87

For patients with insurance:

In some cases, payment may need to be made directly to us. Patients can then seek reimbursement from their insurance provider.
We can accept direct payments from certain insurers, provided there's pre-authorisation. Before scheduling an appointment, we advise patients to check both with us and their insurer if this is possible.

Please be aware that our prices are subject to change. We also occasionally offer promotional rates, so do check with us for any ongoing promotions or special rates before booking an appointment.

Question 11

What types of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We offer a variety of payment methods at Castel Physio:

Credit and Debit Cards: We accept most major credit and debit cards through our SumUp system.
Cash: Payments can be made using cash at our clinic.
Insurers: For patients with insurance, we may be able to accept direct payments from certain insurers provided there's pre-authorisation. However, we strongly advise checking both with your insurer and with us prior to your appointment to confirm the payment method.

Unfortunately, we do not accept payments via cheque or bank transfer.

Question 12

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do accept insurance. Here's what you need to know:

WPA, AXA International, Bupa Global, Aviva: We can work directly with WPA, AXA international, Bupa Global, and Aviva

Although in most cases these insurers will allow direct self-referral, individual policies vary, and you will usually need to have pre-authorisation prior to your appointment. Please check your policy, and contact your insurer to obtain a pre-authorisation/claim number prior to your appointment.

Other Major Providers: For other providers, including Oddfellows and Forresters, please check your individual policy prior to booking. Many will require you to pay for your appointment and seek reimbursement, and some will require a GP referral first.

It's important to check with your insurer or individual policy to ensure your appointment will be covered before making a booking with us.

Question 13

Will I need a referral from my doctor?

Accepted Answer

If you're a private self-funding patient, you don't need a referral from your GP - just book in and come to see us!

Patients using their insurance to cover the cost of treatment may require a referral, depending on their individual policy. We suggest that patients check with their insurer or review their policy documents to confirm whether a referral is necessary prior to their appointment.

Question 14

How can I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of convenient ways for you to schedule your appointment with us:

Online Booking System: You can easily book your appointment through our online booking system by clicking the button below

Email: For any queries or to request an appointment, feel free to email us directly at admin@castelphysio.com
Phone: To book via phone, please call 01481 256003

Question 15

What can I do if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, here are your options:

Email: You can send us a cancellation request directly at admin@castelphysio.com
Phone: You can call the phone number that was emailed to you at the time of your booking to inform us of the cancellation.
Patient Portal: For utmost convenience, log in to our patient portal where you can manage, cancel, or change your appointments. To access the patient portal, please click the button below

Please note: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time are subject to a charge of 50% of the appointment fee. We kindly ask that you provide as much notice as possible to allow us to offer your appointment slot to another patient.

The Injury Recovery Specialist

01481 256003

Frequently asked questions